Periodontal Treatment in Bloomington, IN

Do you need periodontal treatment in Bloomington, IN?

Studies estimate that nearly one in seven adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have some form of periodontal disease (gum disease). More than 20 percent of these adults have periodontal disease serious enough to cause tooth loss.

Untreated periodontal disease can destroy the healthy bone and gum tissues you need to support your teeth, and it can progress silently and go largely unnoticed until significant damage has already been done. In addition, the bacteria formed by periodontal disease can wreak havoc and cause problems elsewhere in the body.

The good news is that periodontal disease is entirely preventable, treatable, and in some cases reversible. Ellettsville Dental Center in beautiful Bloomington, IN offers comprehensive family dental services, including periodontal disease prevention and therapy.

You can schedule the periodontal therapy appointment you need to stay healthy with one of our dentists today.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Your teeth are supported by your gums and the surrounding bone. Your tooth's root is anchored to this bone by fibers called periodontal ligaments. Periodontal disease causes these supporting tissues to break down.

If only the superficial gums are damaged, the disease is considered to be in the early stage known as gingivitis. If it is more advanced and involves the destruction of the connecting tissues and bone, it is known as periodontitis. 

What Causes Periodontal Disease in Bloomington, IN?

After we eat or drink anything, plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and acidic waste) can form on the surface of our teeth and gums. We brush and floss each day to remove plaque; however, this can’t completely remove plaque from around the gum line. The harmful bacteria in the plaque left at the gum line produce dangerous toxins that can effectively destroy the gums and supporting tissues. Over time, plaque can also harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed with a dental office cleaning. Because plaque and tartar buildup is painless, this process can develop and persist without you ever being aware, until your gums begin to exhibit the symptoms of advanced periodontal disease.

Do You Need Periodontal Disease Therapy in Bloomington, IN?

If you observe any of the following symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment periodontal disease therapy in Bloomington, IN:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Red, purple, or otherwise discolored gums
• Toothaches
• Loosened or shifting teeth
• Mucus or pus around the gum line
• Deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums

Periodontal Therapy Appointments at Ellettsville Dental Center

Semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings can effectively prevent periodontal disease.

If it has already developed, we can provide root scaling and root planing procedures that can help heal and even reverse some of the damage.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, but more than one visit may be needed for this treatment.

Make your next periodontal therapy appointment with the gentle and experienced dentists of Ellettsville Dental Center today.  

Our Bloomington dentists are trusted by families throughout Ellettsville, IN, Bloomington, Spencer, Martinsville, and the surrounding Indianapolis communities.